Yamandú Orsi
Yamandú Orsi (born 1967) is the current president of Uruguay, serving since March 2025. Born in the countryside without electricity, he grew up in Canelones, was an altar boy, and participated in folkloric dance, traveling through South America. He is known as “El Canario,” a nickname referencing his roots in the Canelones Department.
Teaching trajectory
He began his career as a history teacher, working in the Canelones, Florida, and Maldonado departments.
Political trajectory
Orsi entered politics with the Movement of Popular Participation. In 2005, he was elected Secretary General of the Municipality of Canelones. He was elected mayor of Canelones in 2015. He became president of Uruguay in March 2025.
Connections between both careers
Orsi's past as a history teacher and his humble background are central to his public image and political branding. He has leaned into the "profe" (teacher) characterization, with former President Mujica campaigning with him and vouching for his intentions, highlighting his relatability and rural roots. His caution in governance is noted as a characteristic that leaves the "profe" characterization a safe one.
Contradictions
He is critiqued from both sides for his caution in governance, avoiding radical speech and reform. There is no discourse on him as an overreaching leader.
Sources
["Buschsclüter, Vanessa. 2024. “Former history teacher Yamandú Orsi wins Uruguay election.” BBC, November 25, 2024. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9qlryz9xg1o.","Al Jazeera. 2024. “Who is Yamandu Orsi, Uruguay’s next president? | Elections News.” Al Jazeera, November 25, 2024. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/25/who-is-yamandu-orsi-uruguays-next-president.","Malaymail. 2024. “Yamandu Orsi: How a former history teacher got elected president, returning Uruguay to the left.” Malaymail, November 25, 2024. https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2024/11/25/yamandu-orsi-how-a-former-history-teacher-got-elected-president-returning-uruguay-to-the-left/157986.","Buschsclüter, Vanessa. 2024. “Former history teacher Yamandú Orsi wins Uruguay election.” BBC, November 25, 2024. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9qlryz9xg1o.","El País. 2024. “Yamandú Orsi, el canario bendecido por Pepe Mujica.” EL PAÍS, October 27, 2024. https://elpais.com/america/2024-10-27/yamandu-orsi-el-canario-bendecido-por-pepe-mujica.html.","El Observador. 2023. “Entrevista a Orsi: el \"canarito\" que se enamoró de la docencia.” El Observador, February 17, 2023. https://www.elobservador.com.uy/nota/entrevista-a-orsi-el-canarito-que-se-enamoro-de-la-docencia--202321612460.","Presidencia Uruguay. 2025. “Crecimiento, reducción de las desigualdades y seguridad son los ejes del presupuesto quinquenal.” Presidencia Uruguay. https://www.gub.uy/presidencia/comunicacion/noticias/crecimiento-reduccion-desigualdades-seguridad-son-ejes-del-presupuesto.","Saldías, Nicolás. 2025. “Uruguay's Answer to Bukele Takes Shape.” Americas Quarterly, December 4, 2025. https://www.americasquarterly.org/article/uruguays-answer-to-bukele-takes-shape/.","Amuy, Bruna. 2025. “Yamandú Orsi's MILD start balances caution and expectation.” RAIA. https://raiagroup.org/orsi-mild-start-balances-caution-and-expectation."]